The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, held on September 30th, honours the survivors and those who never returned from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is a day for all Canadians to reflect on the past and engage in their path towards reconciliation.
At United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way), our reconciliation journey continues with the Akaka’stiman strategy. Akak’stiman: Journey of Creative Planning to Achieve Goals is a multi-generational strategy that guides United Way’s business practices, Indigenous-focused investments and relationships with Indigenous communities. Developed with guidance and leadership from local Elders, the strategy reflects our commitment to building relationships with Indigenous people by recognizing and honouring both Western and Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
In the days leading up to September 30th, we are encouraging our colleagues, friends, families and all Calgarians to take time and reflect on their truth and reconciliation journey. We have created a list of events, resources, media and organizations that cover a range of topics, including Indigenous history, cultural awareness, reconciliation, and personal stories from Indigenous perspectives.
Exploring these resources can help gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and provide a foundation for meaningful engagement during the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Events and Activities
Arts Commons
Calgary Military Museums
Calgary Public Library
- Science in the Cinema: Reconciliation Through Art (Sept. 26)
- Film Screening of Bones of Crows (Online/In-Person) (Sept. 29)
- A Conversation with Michelle Good (In-Person) (Sept. 30)
- Indigenous Placemaking Tour (Sept. 30)
CIF Reconciliation Society
City of Calgary
Heritage Park
National Music Centre
Books
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- 781: A Story of Sports and Survival in Canadian Residential School – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada edited by Phil Fontaine, Aimée Craft and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Calls to Action Booklet – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Indigenous Life by James Daschuk
- Gratitude for the Land – A booklist created by Calgary Public Library staff.
- The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King
- Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel
- Sharing the Land We Call Home by Henri Giroux
Documentaries and Films
- Colonization Road (2016) – Directed by Michelle St. John
- Film suggestions by Canadian Film Centre – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance (1993) – Directed by Alanis Obomsawin
- Reel Injun (2009) – Directed by Neil Diamond
- Trick or Treaty? (2014) – Directed by Alanis Obomsawin
- True Story (2022) – Directed by Dinae Robinson
- Truth & Reconciliation | CBC Gem
- We Were Children (2012) – Directed by Tim Wolochatiuk
Websites and Online Resources
- Friendship Centres – The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)
- Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta)
- Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
- Indigenous Languages Resource Centre
- Indigenous Perspectives Society
- Indigenous Watchdog
- Lunch and Learn Sessions with the University of Manitoba (Sept. 23-27)
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
- Native-Land.ca | Our home on native land
- Reconciliation Canada
Podcasts
- “All My Relations” hosted by Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene
- Indigenous Podcasts from UBC “Unreserved” – CBC Radio
- “S2: The Indian Act from The Secret Life of Canada” – RadioPublic
- “Unreserved” – CBC Radio
- “Woven Spirit: Threads of Wisdom” – Indian Residential School Survivors Society (irsss.ca)
Videos
- Doing the work: what settlers need to know – YouTube
- Intergenerational Trauma: Residential Schools
- Key Moments of Justice for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Two Spirit People Videos | MMIWG (mmiwg-ffada.ca)
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – YouTube
- Survivor Panel on Missing Children – YouTube
- YMCA Orange Shirt Day
Indigenous Organizations
General Resources
- The Indian Act (Plain-Language Summary)
- Indigenous Ally Toolkit
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
- The National Student Memorial
- Reconciliation | Calgary Foundation
- Teaching Resources for Adults
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Educational Programs
- Community Gathering Stories
- Gallery of Artistic Expression
- In Honour of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Two Spirit People
- The Truth about colonialism in Canada
- The Secret Path: Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire
- University of Calgary ii’ taa’poh’to’p Strategy
United Way Resources
- Akak’stiman: Journey of Creative Planning to Achieve Goals is a living strategy that guides United Way’s business practices, Indigenous-focused investments and our relationships with Indigenous communities.
- Being an Ally to an Indigenous Person